Lineup Prep: Wild Card Weekend

Wed Jan 11 9:16am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Kittle can keep it going this week


More and more fantasy owners are playing in playoff leagues, and for good reason. They are a lot of fun contests and leagues out there these days. We run several on our site. Your fantasy leagues don’t have to come to an end because the regular season is over. I highly suggest getting involved in a league if you can. It is a great way to get your fantasy fix a little longer. Plus, there are a lot of interesting formats for leagues, giving you a different fantasy dynamic than during the regular season. So we’ll continue with this column throughout the playoffs, getting you ready for your games each week. 

With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

I’m really excited to watch the Jaguars this weekend. They are a team on the rise with a lot of top young talent. It will be interesting to see how they play on the big stage. Trevor Lawrence was a little shaky last week, so I’m wondering how he handles things this weekend. These playoff games can vault a players confidence in a hurry. I’m hoping Lawrence comes up big and balls out, keeping his progress going forward. 

It really seems like the knee injury Lamar Jacksons suffered is pretty serious and he is in real doubt to play this week. You also have to wonder if the contract situation is playing into this at all for Jackson. Maybe he doesn’t want to risk anything without a long-term deal signed. Who knows? Either way, the Ravens have next to no chance to win that game this weekend if Jackson can’t play. 

Here is to hoping the Bears use that first round pick this year to get the help that Justin Fields needs. Their offensive line needs upgrades and the passing game needs a lot of help at receiver. Hopefully, they can turn that top pick into a lot more picks to get Fields help. This is a big offseason for the Bears. I will be anxious to see how they handle it all.

I really do wonder how much of a negative impact Nathaniel Hackett had on Russell Wilson. He sure looked like a different quarterback after Hackett was fired late in the year. Maybe we shouldn’t give up on him just yet. The Broncos do have a lot of weapons in the passing game, so Wilson has a high ceiling if he can get his game back. Wilson surely will be a polarizing fantasy figure next season. I might be in on him for the right price, though. 

I’m having a hard time deciding on the representatives for the Super Bowl this year. The AFC is really tough with the Bills, Chiefs and Bengals as legit contenders to go all the way. And I even think the Chargers are talented enough to make a run. So I really think four teams could go the Super Bowl out of the AFC. The NFC isn’t quite as tough in my view, mainly because the Vikings and Cowboys are limping into the playoffs. That leaves the Eagles and 49ers as the obvious choices. And it is hard to bet against the 49ers right now with that team playing so well. The big concern for me is Brock Purdy. Can he make the big play if called upon? So I say this with little conviction, I will go with the Bills and Eagles as the winner of their conferences. We’ll see how that works out!

News and Notes: Reports are the Cardinals plan to trade receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. He is getting older and has battled injury the last few seasons, but could be a big help to a receiver needy team. . . . .The Ravens signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year, 100 million dollar extensions on Tuesday. Smith is  now a mainstay in the Ravens defense for years to come.

HOT PLAYS

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. It took a little time but Kittle is red hot right now. He has touchdowns four straight games and multiple scores three of those games. And one of those games came against the Seahawks, who he plays this week. Kittle had four catches for 93 yards and two scores against the Seahawks in Week 15. Seattle has struggled against the tight end all year. The Seahawks allow the second most fantasy points to tight ends. Kittle is setup for a big game in this one. 

Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne struggled his last game, rushing seven time for just 17 yards. but that was against a good Titans rush defense. He had at least 13 fantasy points three straight before last week. And Etienne had 100-yard rushing games two his last three before Week 18. He can get it going again this week against the Chargers. The Chargers allow the seventh most fantasy points to running backs and rank 28th overall against the rush. 

Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs. Godwin topped 100 receptions for the first time in his career this season. And this was a year he was coming off a torn ACL and missed a couple games because of injury. He is clearly healthy and the top target in this passing game. He has at least five receptions 14 straight games. Look for him to keep it going in the Bucs playoff opener. The Cowboys have had issues stopping the pass, so look for Godwin to get a workout. Dallas allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers. 

COLD PLAYS 

Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott is coming off arguably his worst game of the season. He was just 14-of-37 for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Commander last week. It was an alarming performance as the Cowboys head into the playoffs. And he plays a Bucs team on the road that is ninth overall against the pass to open things. It might be another long day for Prescott in this matchup.  

Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker had a great rookie season, emerging as the lead back and producing big in that role. He had three straight 100-yard games to end his season. But the game before that streak was against the 49ers, a game he ran 12 times for just 47 yards. It might be more of the same this week against a very good San Francisco defense. The 49ers are second overall against the run and allow the fewest fantasy points to running backs this year. 

Tua Tagovailoa or whoever plays QB for the Dolphins. Tagovailoa really cooled off down the stretch before his latest concussion. He had few than 20 fantasy points four of his last five games. He also plays the Bills this week, a team he scored about 33 fantasy points against in two games this year. Buffalo allows the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks for the season. Tagovailoa or whoever starts for the Dolphins at quarterback this week is going to be a risk for fantasy owners. 

SLEEPERS

Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. Jones quietly put together a very good season. He took a big step forward this year in an offense that really lacks weapons in the passing game. Despite that, Jones was 12th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. He had 25-plus fantasy points two straight games to end his season and topped 20 points four of his last five. He has a great matchup to produce in his playoff debut. The Vikings have struggled against the pass all season, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Minnesota is just 31st overall against the pass, allowing 265.6-passing yards per game. 

James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook has enjoyed a bit of an up and down rookie season, but is playing his best football right now. He has double-digit fantasy points three of his last five games. Don’t discount him to have a big game or two in the playoffs. You could see the Bills getting up big in this one, running out the clock late in the game. This could mean more touches for Cook, who might be playing better than Devin Singletary right now. The Dolphins are solid against the run but have allowed 15-rushing touchdowns this season, which also bodes well for Cook. 

Richie James, WR, Giants. James has emerged as the top receiver for the Giants. He has at least seven receptions three of four games. He has topped 17 fantasy points three of those games. He also has at least 13 fantasy points five of seven. He is getting it done on a weekly basis. And he gets a bad Vikings secondary this week. Minnesota allows the second most fantasy points to receivers. James is setup to top double-digit fantasy points once again. 

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Chargers/Jaguars, Giants/Vikings.

Low Scoring Games: Cowboys/Bucs.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12

Player Notes
Austin Hooper Nov 19 2:10am CT
Austin Hooper

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) carved out standalone fantasy value in his role behind Hunter Henry last season, but he has failed to establish himself as a worthwhile fantasy addition during the 2025 campaign. He went from the overall TE24 in PPR leagues last year to TE45 through Week 11 this season. The 31-year-old hasn't registered more than three targets in a single game this season, which is a major step backward after he averaged 3.5 targets per game in 2024. While Henry has cemented himself as the Patriots' top tight end and is one reason for Hooper's underwhelming year, the bigger factor is likely the wide receivers' increased productivity. Players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have elevated this position room higher than in years past, leaving fewer opportunities for a backup tight end like Hooper. An injury has complicated his status even more, as Hooper missed Week 11 in concussion protocol and remains up in the air for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he plays, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in all leagues. His only path to fantasy relevance would be a Hunter Henry injury.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Nov 19 2:00am CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas continues to face significant competition within his own position group. Ahead of Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Douglas faces an uphill battle to handle the workload necessary to produce in fantasy football. Douglas has already tied his career-high of three touchdowns this year, but he is behind his 2024 pace in targets, catches, and receiving yards. In fact, he's averaging only 2.1 catches and 30.2 yards per game, and he has surpassed 45 yards in just two different weeks. The 24-year-old has slipped down the pecking order this season after New England brought in Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. Meanwhile, Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) has taken on a larger role as a playmaker. While Douglas can still hold his own as a receiver, he has failed to separate himself from the rest of his teammates. As a result, he has a lower fantasy ceiling and remains off the radar in leagues with 14 or fewer teams.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Nov 19 1:50am CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has started to see his role slip away, coinciding with the emergence of rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson and veteran Colby Parkinson. Higbee caught just one of two targets for 23 yards last Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. He played only 39 percent of the offensive snaps, but this was partly due to an ankle injury sidelining him for a portion of a contest. Nevertheless, even if he were fully healthy, Higbee likely wouldn't have seen enough usage to achieve fantasy relevance. He's losing key opportunities to Ferguson, who had 117 yards in three games from Week 7 to 10, and Parkinson, who scored in back-to-back games while playing roughly two-thirds of the snaps. As long as Higbee is vying for targets with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and several impactful tight ends, he'll be tough to trust in fantasy football. He can be left on waivers going forward, ranking outside the top 24 options at his position.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Nov 19 12:10am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has scored both of his touchdowns on the season in the last two weeks, compiling six catches for 55 yards on seven targets and one score in each game. Parkinson, interestingly, played a season high in snap share and tied star wideout Puka Nacua at 68% in their Week 11 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The spike in playing time was partly caused by Tyler Higbee leaving late in the third quarter with an ankle injury. The three highest snap shares of the season for the 26-year-old Parkinson have come in the past three weeks after the Rams' Week 8 bye. It has been a part of the Rams' transition to use more 13 personnel, and Parkinson has played the most of any Rams tight end during this span. Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson generates most of the buzz for Rams tight end due to his second-round draft capital and freak athleticism, but Parkinson has been playing the most and could have TE2 streaming value if Higbee were to miss time.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Nov 19 12:00am CT
Raheem Mostert

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert has served as the primary backup to rookie Ashton Jeanty in his age-33 season, recording 19 carries for 90 yards and six catches (six targets) for 45 yards in seven games. Jeanty has held down one of the heaviest workloads in the league, which has resulted in Mostert's most touches in a game being seven, which came back in Week 5 against the Colts. The veteran back has also served on special teams as a kick returner, leading the league with a 30.9 average yards per return. Even if Jeanty were to miss time, the offensive line and overall offensive environment don't create a lot of upside for Mostert as a contingency option.

From RotoBaller

Jimmy Horn Jr. Nov 18 11:50pm CT
Jimmy Horn Jr.

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. saw his first NFL action in Week 5 this season and has maintained a limited role in the offense. Horn played 27.1% of the snaps in that game and hasn't seen his snap share increase since. In fact, he had his lowest snap share of the season in Carolina's Week 11 win over the Falcons, playing just 8.8% of the snaps, and hasn't recorded a touch in the past two games. The rookie sixth-rounder has totaled six catches for 66 yards on 10 targets to go along with seven carries for 44 yards in seven games. It appears Brycen Tremaine has surpassed the rookie on the depth chart, as he has seen his snaps increase lately. Horn is an intriguing stash on taxi squads in dynasty leagues, but he isn't relevant in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Whittington Nov 18 11:30pm CT
Jordan Whittington

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington has played in all 10 games this season and has served as the primary No. 3 wide receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Whittingon owns a 53.5% snap share and has run 44.7% of the team's routes this season, collecting 13 catches for 130 yards on 18 targets. The Texas product had a prime opportunity to produce in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars when Puka Nacua missed the game due to an ankle injury, but Whittington was unable to capitalize, catching just two of four targets for nine yards. There was optimism for the 25-year-old to step in and be a potential streaming option that week after he made two spot starts in Weeks 4 and 5 last season and totaled 13 catches for 151 yards on 18 targets. For now, he will continue to operate behind the Rams' two star wideouts and remain off fantasy radars.

From RotoBaller

Arian Smith Nov 18 11:20pm CT
Arian Smith

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith had his lowest snap share since Week 1 in the team's 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11. Smith played just 15.8% of the snaps and ran 21.2% of the routes, both significantly lower than his season averages. It seems the rookie wideout has moved into a depth role after the Jets acquired two wide receivers at the trade deadline in John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. Smith wasn't a fantasy-relevant option to begin with, catching six of 10 targets for 47 yards in 10 games this season.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Nov 18 9:50pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson finished with just one reception for 17 yards on two targets in a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite this modest output, Wilson's expanded role was an encouraging development. The second-year pro logged a 57% snap share, his second-highest mark of the season and his highest in games with Calvin Austin III active. Austin, who had previously operated as the team's clear WR2, played on just 29% of offensive snaps. It's unclear if this utilization will stick, but Wilson has looked like the better player since Austin's return from a shoulder injury. Although Wilson still isn't a viable fantasy starter, his usage is worth monitoring as the Steelers head into a Week 12 meeting with the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Nov 18 9:40pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith did not catch either of his two targets in a Week 11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith has not had a worthwhile fantasy showing since Week 7, when he last found the end zone. It has been an incredibly disappointing season for the 30-year-old, who was expected to be heavily involved in Pittsburgh's offense after the team traded for him in the offseason. While Smith still has more fantasy points than teammate Darnell Washington, the latter has impressed in recent weeks and could earn a more consistent role moving forward. Smith should still be rostered in dynasty formats, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere for tight end production in all redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darnell Washington Nov 18 9:30pm CT
Darnell Washington

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington logged four receptions for 67 yards on five targets in a 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. While Washington didn't have an incredibly productive fantasy outing, he made plenty of noise with a massive play in the second quarter that set up a Steelers field goal. Washington caught a short pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) and ran through three defenders to gain 31 yards before stepping out of bounds. He later picked up 17 yards on a throw from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. It will be hard to trust Pittsburgh's offense against the Chicago Bears in Week 12, especially if Rodgers is unable to play, but Washington has looked great when given opportunities this year and could be worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Nov 18 9:10pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf turned in yet another disappointing performance in Week 11, securing five of eight targets for 49 yards in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) exited the contest at halftime and is currently considered questionable to play in Week 12 with a fractured left wrist. If Rodgers can't go, Metcalf will be catching passes from Mason Rudolph, who hasn't started a game since Week 17 of last season. Regardless of who is under center, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trust Metcalf, as he has scored fewer than 10 fantasy points in three straight games. On the bright side, Pittsburgh will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Bears have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, keeping Metcalf in play as a boom-or-bust WR2.

From RotoBaller

Jack Bech Nov 18 9:00pm CT
Jack Bech

When the Las Vegas Raiders traded away veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the NFL trade deadline, there was a thought that rookie wideout Jack Bech might see more playing time. However, across the two games that have followed, Bech has recorded just one catch for 19 yards on two targets. The 22-year-old played just nine offensive snaps in the Raiders' 33-16 Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. For the time being, Bech remains behind Tre Tucker, Tyler Lockett, and Dont'e Thornton Jr. on his team's wide receiver depth chart. Las Vegas also utilizes a lot of two-tight end formations with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer, which limits the opportunities for its depth wide receivers. Bech maintains some long-term fantasy appeal in dynasty formats, but it does not appear as though the production is going to come for him in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Nov 18 8:50pm CT
Olamide Zaccheaus

Across 10 games in 2025, Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has recorded 32 catches for 248 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets. For most of the season to this point, he's played the WR3 role in Chicago alongside wideouts Rome Odunze and DJ Moore. However, Zaccheaus' usage dropped off sharply in the Bears' Week 11 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old recorded zero catches on zero targets and played a season-low 10 offensive snaps. Chicago could be shifting playing time to rookie wideout Luther Burden III, who played 33 offensive snaps against Minnesota. Zaccheaus was not a major factor for fantasy managers before Week 11, but he could now be fading into true fantasy irrelevance. The usage split between Zaccheaus and Burden III is worth monitoring heading into Chicago's Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Michael Carter Nov 18 8:50pm CT
Michael Carter

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter recorded a season-high five receptions on seven targets in his team's 41-22 Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) likely to miss the team's Week 12 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carter could be in line for a sizable role for a second straight week. The 26-year-old is unlikely to factor much on early downs, as Carter has fallen behind Arizona back Bam Knight in the pecking order for carries. However, Carter has recorded at least five targets in three out of six games played for the Cardinals this season. One wrinkle for Carter is the potential return of Trey Benson (knee), who could be returning soon from the knee injury that has kept him on Injured Reserve since Week 4. However, if Benson and Demercado are out in Week 12, Carter could have some deep-league fantasy appeal.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Nov 18 8:40pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is often overlooked due to the presence of his star teammate and fellow tight end Brock Bowers. However, Mayer has maintained a consistent role in his team's passing game even since Bowers returned in Week 9 from a knee injury that forced him to miss multiple games. Over the last three weeks, Mayer has recorded nine catches for 61 yards on 15 targets. While the overall ineptitude of the Raiders' offense limits Mayer's upside, his stable target volume provides a decent floor in PPR fantasy leagues. He's not worth a starting spot in the vast majority of fantasy formats, but Mayer could be a player to monitor in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Nov 18 8:30pm CT
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell had one of his highest usage games of the 2025 season in Week 11, recording 54 scrimmage yards on eight touches against the Cleveland Browns. With Ravens running back Justice Hill (toe) sidelined by a toe injury, Mitchell stepped into the team's RB2 role behind Derrick Henry. If Hill remains out for Baltimore's Week 12 matchup against the New York Jets, Mitchell could see steady playing time on passing downs for the second straight week. Across 19 career games with Baltimore, Mitchell has averaged 6.6 yards per carry and 7.3 yards per touch. He could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in leagues with 14 or more teams heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 18 8:20pm CT
Dawson Knox

Even with Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined in Week 11, Bills TE2 Dawson Knox had a modest outing, recording one catch for 23 yards on three targets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kincaid did not practice on either Monday or Tuesday heading into Buffalo's Week 12 matchup against the Houston Texans on Thursday night, so Knox could have another chance to be his team's lead tight end. Still, in the two games he's played this season without Kincaid, Knox has recorded two catches for 42 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Expectations for Knox should be limited, but the 29-year-old does have a better chance to find the end zone without Kincaid in the lineup. In the deepest fantasy leagues, Knox could be a low-end streaming option for managers to add off the waiver wire heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 18 7:00pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been inconsistent during his rookie campaign. To be fair, it's not easy to be a consistent contributor in this Browns offense that has been struggling as a whole. The good news is, Fannin has seen five targets or more in each of his last five games. Last week, Fannin hauled in two of his five targets for 26 yards in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The 21-year-old hasn't been productive every week, but is worthy of a look as a deep league option for the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Nov 18 6:50pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell made his team debut against the New England Patriots last week. Mitchell was traded to the Jets in the deal that sent defensive back Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Mitchell didn't have a ton of time to learn the playbook, but was immediately heavily involved in the passing attack. Mitchell was targeted six times, but was only able to haul in one of those passes for 10 yards in the loss. The result obviously isn't good, but the six targets is promising for Mitchell. The Jets are without Garrett Wilson (knee), so someone needs to step up for this team. The 23-year-old figures to get a decent amount of chances down the stretch for the Jets. Mitchell could be worth a look as a deep league option as he continues to build chemistry with his new quarterback.

From RotoBaller